Can Training Impact How Police Agencies Use Technology? 

Training for all law enforcement personnel is a regular part of the job. Firearms, felony stop, handcuffs, defensive tactics, and other tactical training are required, even as refresher training. Yet, the people who use and rely on technology, most notably line-level officers, often receive less training on the specific systems they rely on.

A 2023 report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics found that departments required an average of only 46 hours of annual in-service training across every topic, including tactical training, which is critical. However, with only a limited number of hours required, how many hours are being allotted for technology training? And just as important to ask, how often are those tasked with using the technology to do their jobs more efficiently receiving initial and ongoing training on how the system works within their agency? 

Inadequate Training Limits Effectiveness 

When officers lack comprehensive training on the technologies they depend on daily, operational effectiveness suffers. For example, body-worn cameras could become a liability for some officers rather than a protective tool if they are not appropriately placed or not activated during critical incidents. Data analytics can produce actionable intelligence, but if agency staff do not understand how to use and interpret the data or integrate it into patrol strategies, the results are unreliable.  

A technology training deficit creates a cascade of operational problems that extend beyond individual officer performance. The result is that departments invest significant budget resources in cutting-edge technology that delivers a minimal return on investment. In contrast, stronger initial training and regular refresher training may be more effective in the long term, making agency staff more efficient. 

The Critical Need for Ongoing Technology Training 

Technology platforms evolve continuously, yet we often treat training as a one-time event after system deployment, rather than an ongoing professional development requirement. Software updates change user interfaces, new features get added to existing systems, and best practices evolve based on field experience—all of which could make initial training obsolete within a year. 

Agency needs and usage also change after initial deployment and when integrated with other technologies and systems. Training reminders and updates not only align usage with agency policy and procedures but can also shed light on innovative ways staff members are using the technology. Sharing best practices is a two-way training endeavor. Updating usage based on vendor changes or shared stories from other agency implementation and usage, and tips and tricks from users using and working with the technology. 

Challenges with Technology Users 

Technology skill gaps exist not only among officers of varying generations and skill sets, but also between newer hires who haven’t been exposed to the initial system training. The challenge becomes even more complex when considering the technology skills gap between veteran officers and new hires.  

Field Training Officers (FTOs) are typically responsible for training new hires on the agency's technology. Suppose the FTOs aren’t receiving updated training or using the technology following the agency's policy and procedure. If the FTOs aren’t using the systems and technology optimally, that training will instead perpetuate less than effective ways to use technology. 

Technology Training Programs 

Digital natives entering law enforcement may intuitively understand smartphone-based reporting apps, system integrations, and AI-driven programs, but lack context for how those tools integrate with established investigative procedures. At the same time, experienced officers possess deep institutional knowledge but may struggle with system interfaces and cloud-based systems. The technology gap is not solely a generational issue. Some officers prefer a less technological approach to policing, yet that is not the reality for many agencies. 

Effective technology training programs must address both populations simultaneously, providing foundational digital literacy for those who may not readily adopt the latest technology trends, while ensuring that all officers, especially new officers, understand the operational context and legal implications of the powerful tools at their disposal. Regular refresher training becomes essential not only for maintaining competency but also for building cohesive teams where every officer can contribute effectively, regardless of their technological starting point. 

Training as a Strategic Advantage 

If agencies want their technology investments to yield real results, training can’t be an afterthought. The systems officers rely on, whether for reporting, communication, or evidence management, are only as effective as the people using them. That means allocating consistent, meaningful training time that matches the complexity and pace of these tools. Technology proficiency shouldn’t be left to chance or learned piecemeal in the field. 

And training isn’t just about individual performance—it’s about operational cohesion. When every staff member understands not only how a system works but also how it supports agency strategy, officer safety, and public safety, departments become more agile, more accountable, and better equipped to serve their communities. Technology is a tool. Training is what turns it into an asset.